New lease of life for Frizington lonnin

You said…  Lets make this Frizington footpath a great walking route for local people.

We did…  Provided funding and expertise to restore Occupation Lonnin.

Frizington residents will be celebrating the reopening of Occupation Lonnin on Friday, 9th July at 10:30am. 

The lonnin, which stretches along a ¾ mile route parallel to Frizington Main Street, has been revamped following suggestions from residents that the footpath be transformed from a boggy, overgrown route to its former glory as a characterful lane accessible to local people.

Weeds have been cleared, plants and hedges tidied up and gates installed at either end. A new surface has been laid along the whole lonnin, whilst maintaining the natural vegetation on either side.

Six pupils from each of the three local primary schools (Arlecdon Primary, Frizington Primary, and St Joseph’s RC Primary School) will walk down the path from either end, meeting in the middle before the lonnin is officially opened by Copeland MP Jamie Reed.

The improvement works have been a team effort. Works have been funded by £11,000 over two years from county councillors Tim Knowles for Cleator Moor North and Frizington (also a Parish councillor for Arlecdon and Frizington) and Mike Hawkins for Hensingham and Arlecdon, using funds allocated by Cumbria County Council. Arlecdon and Frizington Parish Council have put £2,000 towards the scheme, and Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust have contributed £3,800 through its Landfill Tax Grant Scheme. The project has also been supported by Regeneration North East Copeland.

Cumbria County Council's Copeland community unit helped parish councillors bid for the funding needed, whilst the expertise from members of the county council’s countryside access team has ensured that the project is carried out to a high standard. Parish councillors from Arlecdon and Frizington have managed the project and lead it from the initial stages through to the official opening.

Cllr Tim Knowles, councillor for Cleator Moor North and Frizington, said: "We've taken something that used to be pretty shabby and overlooked and turned it into a real asset for the community. The transformation of Occupation Lonnin has helped put a bit of pride back into Frizington."

Cllr Mike Hawkins, councillor for Hensingham and Arlecdon, said:

"This has been a great use of our capital grants scheme. For a relatively small outlay, we've joined forces with the local parish council and spruced up an area that used to be a bit of an eyesore. It's now a pleasure to be able to walk along the footpath, which feels very peaceful while at the same time being so close to Main Street."

Jon Downie, Member of Arlecdon and Frizington Parish Council, said: "The project has been a success, with co-operation from all areas of the community and local government departments. It is nice to be part of something where the joint efforts of all have transformed this quiet area for the public to enjoy. I have also enjoyed working with people who are passionate about the community and who have worked hard to ensure its success." 

Bob Muscat, countryside ranger in Cumbria County Council's countryside access team, said: "We were pleased to be able to support this project and offer advice –both to ensure the lonnin was repaired to the right standard, and that the work respected the character of the lane and its local ecology. This project is one of many included in Cumbria’s rights of way improvement plan."

Cumbria County Council Community Unit is on hand to support local people and community groups in Copeland to have their say and improve their local area. For more information contact the team on 01946 505 019 or go to www.cumbria.gov.uk/sayit